Two Cents Worth

Ryan DeFaber gives a brief training update after a grade-one calf strain, explaining his two-week recovery plan, rehab routine, and positive mindset for returning to half‑marathon training. He also celebrates his son Harrison making a competitive travel baseball team, shares his approach to youth sports and development, and reflects on family wins and resilience.

Host Ryan DeFaber returns after a short break to share highs and lows from a packed two weeks. He recounts a tiring five-round golf trip that highlighted getting older, updates his week 11 training for a half marathon, and plugs Bearsden Gym apparel and marketing efforts. Ryan discusses his kids' ongoing sports seasons, summer plans to keep them active with lessons and manageable travel teams, and...

Host Ryan DeFaber shares his week eight training progress as he builds toward a fall half marathon, discussing 60-minute endurance runs, tempo track workouts, and careful injury prevention with physical therapy routines. He also covers planning and logistics for an upcoming golf trip—tips for creating a stress-free group experience—and recent life updates including Mother’s Day, family activities,...

Host Ryan DeFaber explores the decline of empathy and accountability in modern society, sharing examples from Spirit Airlines, in-store interactions at Lowe’s, and toxic online comments. He urges listeners to practice compassion, respect front-line workers, favor face-to-face interaction, and remember that words and actions have consequences.

Ryan DeFaber shares updates on his sons' youth sports seasons—soccer tryouts, baseball playoffs, coach feedback, and confidence-boosting moments—while reflecting on parenting choices and kids learning to work hard. He also discusses mindset shifts for everyday life, the importance of effort and communication in work and marriage, promoting his Bears Den Gym brand, and encourages listeners to pursu...

Host Ryan DeFaber discusses whether his long-running Two Cents Worth podcast should add a co-host, weighing the benefits of added perspectives and conversation against the extra time and production demands given his busy life as a husband, father, and professional. He invites listeners to share feedback and suggestions via Instagram @ryan.defaber, email (twocentsworthpodcast@gmail.com), or DMs abo...

Ryan DeFaber returns from vacation and reflects on turning 42, his mother’s passing, and what it means to feel like he might be halfway through life. He shares how he’s reevaluating priorities — physical and mental health, marriage, parenting, friendships, hobbies, travel, and financial goals — and the importance of not depending on external validation. Ryan urges listeners to stop overthinking, t...

In this episode Ryan DeFaber talks about a classic spring weekend where life, health, and youth sports all collide. It starts with mistaking a familiar sniffle and congestion of a spring cold for seasonal allergies--until it becomes clear this one is sticking around for a few days. From there, the focus shifts to his new workout program he is following and backing up his statements from previous e...

Host Ryan DeFaber riffs on life updates: wild spring weather swings, prepping the house for spring, family spring break plans, and an online couch-buying mishap. He also shares a short message about not letting age define you, getting back to fitness and golf, and balancing work, kids' sports, and home projects.

Host Ryan DeFaber explains why a structured workout program matters: it provides structure, enables progressive overload, prevents burnout, and maximizes efficiency so you achieve goals faster. Using his own experience with workout partner Pete, Ryan discusses balancing strength and running, tracking progress, reducing injury risk, and using apps or existing programs to stay consistent and get res...

Host Ryan DeFaber recounts a chaotic, humorous morning getting his two sons ready for school, contrasting the nine-year-old’s carefree comfort with the 13-year-old’s careful attention to clothes, hair products, and cologne. He reflects on cyclical trends like band tees, baggy pants, Birkenstocks, and pajama pants, sharing the frustrations and pride of parenting a fashion-conscious preteen.

Host Ryan DeFaber wraps up the Bears Den Gym Winter Series after 12 weeks of weekend workouts designed to keep kids and parents active during the off-season. He reflects on the challenges—snow, heat and busy schedules—and the focus on bodyweight drills, proper form, and fun competition rather than heavy lifting. The episode highlights the community spirit: families pushing each other, kids learnin...

Host Ryan DeFaber discusses the value of creative outlets and hobbies — from his Bears Den Gym and apparel line to podcasting, woodworking, golf, and whiskey — as ways to decompress, connect with others, and keep evolving personally. He stresses being genuine and authentic, using hobbies to build community, learn new skills, and avoid getting stuck in a rut.

Ryan DeFaber gives a personal update on the start of spring sports—rainy soccer games, upcoming baseball, and a middle-school soccer tryout—while juggling work and family schedules. He reflects on parenting, the lessons kids learn by watching their parents, and why this busy season is worth cherishing.

Host Ryan DeFaber recounts a humorous first-world problem: a $30 razor accidentally ending up in his shower drain after house cleaners visited. He tries magnets, tongs, duct tape and finally uses a shop vac to retrieve the razor, sanitizes it, and restores his shower. The episode turns the incident into a broader lesson about creative problem-solving: consider multiple options, step back when stuc...

Ryan DeFaber shares a personal recap of two rare winter storms in Charlotte, detailing school closures, neighborhood fun, sledding attempts, driveway fire pits, bourbon hunting, and improvised workouts. The episode highlights Southern surprises during snow, safety on icy roads, and choosing to enjoy the moment with family and friends despite being underprepared.

Host Ryan DeFaber shares his two favorite places to travel with his wife: Kiawah Island, a pristine, private coastal retreat with quiet beaches, wildlife, and championship golf; and Miami Beach, a vibrant mix of nightlife, culture, and boutique relaxation at Hotel Greystone. He describes the locations, amenities, dining, and why each works as a perfect getaway. Ryan also reflects on the importance...

Host Ryan DeFaber shares how he recently fell into the world of whiskey and bourbon, starting with blind tastings, reading reviews, and learning tasting notes and terminology. He discusses building a diverse, affordable collection, upcoming distillery tours, and how this hobby has deepened his appreciation for history, production, and flavor. Ryan invites listeners to follow along, suggest topics...

Host Ryan DeFaber explains the difference between being a leader and being a manager, drawing on 13 years of corporate management experience. He emphasizes inspiring vision, investing in individuals, asking for feedback, and blending strategic leadership with tactical management. The episode covers practical tips: tailor your approach to each person, address morale quickly, create a feedback loop,...

Host Ryan DeFaber shares a practical approach to goal achievement using positive affirmations focused on self-belief, action & focus, resilience, and attraction. He explains five ways to use affirmations effectively — read them daily, feel the emotion, post them in your space, make them personal, and visualize success — and ties each point to real-life examples. Ryan also opens up about his ow...

Host Ryan DeFaber looks back on his proudest moments of 2025, sharing personal and professional highlights that shaped his year. Topics include a record year at work, monthly date nights with his wife, advocating for his kids in school and sports, the Bears Den Gym community workouts, a father-son vacation, the podcast's return, golf improvements, and his father's positive transition after loss.

Host Ryan DeFaber explains why work-life balance matters, why it’s not a strict 50/50 split, and how to create harmony between career demands and personal well-being. He shares practical tips—set clear hours, prioritize tasks, take breaks, say no, delegate, pursue hobbies, and ask for flexibility—and uses Alexander the Great’s final wishes to remind listeners that health, time, and relationships m...

Host Ryan DeFaber kicks off the Bears Den Gym Winter Series: weekly Saturday workouts through December to February for adults and middle-school kids in the Charlotte area. Sessions mix circuit-style conditioning for adults with age-appropriate strength, agility, and speed training to help kids prepare for spring sports. The series emphasizes accountability, discipline, and pushing through adversit...

Host Ryan DeFaber sits down with his soon-to-be-13-year-old son Nolan to explore the transition into the teenage years, covering puberty, changing friendships, independence, attitude, and everyday challenges like chores and appetite changes. The episode also addresses practical parenting topics such as social media limits, phone-free gatherings, building discipline and routines, and managing acne...

Host Ryan DeFaber discusses the social media “shrink the game” movement and argues against it, using post-pandemic participation data, supply-and-demand economics, and personal experience on course costs and pace of play. He suggests solutions like enforcing pace-of-play rules, promoting etiquette, and highlighting affordable options so golf can remain accessible and grow for future generations.